Trying to help a friend who is supporting 2 young men whose mother has just died

pmlindyloo

They would be entitled to the two bed allowance of HB under their present circumstances.

When the youngest goes to university then as long as he returns within a 13 week period and intends to return home when he leaves uni then he will still be counted as living there (therefore the two bed rate).

Plus, if they were previously receiving HB then there will be a 52 week bereavement protection when the assessment rate will be the same. However, any earnings will be taken into account.

Since there are lots of different 'strands' I would suggest that the older son goes to CAB and ask them to help with all this.

no.1swimmum

My friend had a long conversation on the phone at lunchtime, with the eldest son who has expressed such gratitude for your help, so Thank you. They have arranged an appoint at CAB for next week whilst we are on half term, and she is planning to ring the McMillan nurses tonight to see if they have any advice.

Thank you

DigForVictory

In the short term, home cooking rarely goes wrong. Unless they're vegan or something, cakes & biscuits usually are met with appreciation & help keep the young male running - they are not cheap to feed.

I'd guess they're probably competent cooks but are a bit short on inclination - can you invite them over for an evening meal a couple of nights a week (depending on proximity & affordability)?

Can your friend give them a lift to CAB & take notes? It's not always easy to remember everything!

missbiggles1

It's wonderful that everybody is rallying round to help but it's worth bearing in mind that the older son is a fully grown adult of 25 rather than a boy.

I hope someone is helping with his job applications rather than just looking at benefits because, once the initial trauma of loss is over, one would hope that he could be fully independent financially.

All the best.